Kevin John

Merk

Kevin John Merk, age 36, passed away in the loving arms of his wife, Bernadette, on October 27th, 2026, at UNM Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Born December 22, 1989 in Joniškis, Lithuania, he was brought to Connecticut by adoptive parents Jeffrey and Carol in August of 1994.

He graduated from Portland High School in 2006 and received a bachelor’s degree in TDRS Satellite Telecommunications from the University of Hawaii and a bachelor’s degree in business management from Argos University Honolulu Campus.

In January 2007, he joined the United States Army, where he proudly served as a Combat Engineer, Human Intelligence Collector, and Ranger Combat Communications Specialist. He fought in Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom and was deployed to Iraq in 2009 and 2013, and to Afghanistan in 2011. His decorations and awards include the Army Commendation Medal, the Meritorious Unit Commendation, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Iraq Campaign Medal with campaign star. He was honorably discharged from his last duty assignment as a Sapper in November 2014.

After his military career, he lived in Hawaii, where he became a father to his children Kasja, Kaden, and Kasen. He then moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he met and married his wife Bernadette, of five full yet short years, and became a father and friend to her children, Ashe, Brittney, Aedyn, and Marshall, and grandfather (Paga) to Kennedy.

Kevin found joy in many pastimes. He loved being outdoors and could often be found exploring on his motorcycle, hiking, rockhounding, people watching, or stargazing. He also loved music, gaming, traveling, building, crafting, and watching the sun rise and set.

He had a love for life that was infectious. Whether he was outdoors, cooking with his wife, playing with his granddaughter, or enjoying a quiet night at home, his excitement and boundless energy brought light and happiness to everyone around.

Kevin was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Beverly (paternal); Donald and Dorothy (maternal); his Aunt Bonnie (paternal); and his Uncle Chris (maternal).

He is survived by his loving wife, Bernadette; his children, granddaughter; his twin sister Sarah; his parents and their respective spouses, Jeff and Laura, Carol and Glenn; his paternal grandfather, Louis; his Aunt Lynn, Uncle Steven, and his cousins, David and Michael.

Kevin will be remembered as a gentle and loving husband, as a patient and giving father, and a generous and joyful friend.

The memory of his smile and the sound of his laugh will be forever missed.

Please feel free to join us in saying goodbye to Kevin on Thursday, November 19th at 1400 hours (2:00 pm) at the Santa Fe National Cemetery located at 501 N Guadalupe Street in Santa Fe, New Mexico, with full Military honors rendered by the United States Army.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the caring and compassionate professionals at

Trujillo Family Funeral Home

“Our Family Serving Yours”